During a visit to India, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, with a focus on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the India-Mediterranean Connect. The meeting took place in New Delhi, where both ministers emphasized increasing trade, investment, and connectivity between their countries.
Key Discussion Points:
- IMEC and Connectivity:Jaishankar emphasized that the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the India-Mediterranean Connect would be a major focus in the next phase of India-Greece relations. Gerapetritis highlighted Greece’s strategic position as India’s closest gateway to Europe.
- Bilateral Relations: Discussions covered key areas such as shipping, trade, investment, culture, mobility, and artificial intelligence. Both sides expressed a desire to upscale bilateral relations in all respects, including tourism.
- UNSC Support:Jaishankar assured India’s full support to Greece during its non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2025-26.
- Economic Cooperation:Both ministers acknowledged the importance of strengthening the economic relationship and doubling bilateral trade by 2030. They also discussed the activation of the Greek Commercial Office in Mumbai and the opening of Greek Consulates in Mumbai and Bangalore.
- Maritime Security:Maritime security was highlighted as another point of convergence between Greece and India, both being maritime nations.
- International Law:Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to the principles of the UN Charter.
Gerapetritis’s visit, which took place from February 5-7, 2025, aimed to enhance diplomatic and strategic relations between India and Greece.
